Broncos' Clady expected to be ready to play

ENGLEWOOD -- Offensive tackle Ryan Clady is expected to practice next week and play in the Broncos' playoff opener Jan. 12 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Clady didn't participate in practice this week because of an undisclosed injury, but he hasn't missed a game in his NFL career.

Asked about Clady's availability when the Broncos resume practice next week, coach John Fox said: "He was at practice every day this week and I don't foresee that changing much next week."

The Broncos don't have to issue an official injury report until Tuesday.

Tackling the issue

Asked to identify which area of the Denver defense has improved the most since the start of the season, coordinator Jack Del Rio didn't hesitate with a response.

"Tackling is first and foremost," Del Rio said. "You can't play good defense if you don't tackle. Some of the things we've done with technique in terms of shedding blocks, stuff blocks, (to) get off blocks and show up at the ball, those have been instrumental in us having a chance to slow people down in the run game, make them throw the ball where then we have some very talented pass rushers and some guys who can cover man to man, and it gives us a chance to get after people."

The Broncos finished No. 2 in the 32-team NFL in total defense, No. 4 in scoring defense and tied for the league lead in sacks this season, Del Rio's first with the team. Last season, the Broncos ranked 20th in total defense, 24th in scoring defense and tied for 10th in sacks.

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Good work week

Fox said the Broncos completed their three practices this week with plenty of energy Friday. The players have a mandatory workout with the team's strength and conditioning staff today and will do additional work Monday. They will be back on the practice field Tuesday.

"I thought we had good focus," Fox said. "We got some things addressed, whether it be opponent related or just us related. I was pleased with how we went about our business."

Offensive coodinator Mike McCoy is still scheduled to meet today with the Bills and Cardinals about their head-coaching jobs. His meetings with the Bears and Eagles are set for Sunday. The Bills and Eagles are scheduled to meet with Oregon coach Chip Kelly in Arizona this weekend. ... Of their three possible playoff opponents next weekend, the Broncos have never played the Bengals in the postseason, are 0-1 against the Ravens in the postseason and are 0-2 against the Colts. Peyton Manning was the Indianapolis QB in Denver's games against the Colts.

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